Russell Brand is set to appear at Florida’s New College on Saturday, April 12, for a public discussion titled Thinking Without Permission: A Conversation with Russell Brand on Free Speech, Censorship, and Cultural Power. The event will take place at the Mildred Sainer Pavilion on campus and will also be streamed live on YouTube and X. New College President Richard Corcoran will interview Brand during the conversation.
This event has garnered significant attention due to the timing of the announcement. Just days before, on April 4, London’s Metropolitan Police formally charged Brand with multiple sexual offenses, including rape, oral rape, indecent assault, and two counts of sexual assault. These charges stem from alleged incidents involving four women, which followed a lengthy investigation that began in 2023. Brand is set to appear in Westminster Magistrates’ Court on May 2, but he has denied all allegations, stating that he “absolutely refutes” the claims.
Despite these serious charges, New College has decided to proceed with the event. Alexandra Nicole Islas, the college’s Director of Public Policy Events, shared a statement saying, “After thoughtful consideration, we have decided to move forward with Russell Brand’s scheduled appearance as part of a broader conversation on society, culture, and free speech.” She continued, “Our responsibility is to ensure a space where ideas—especially those that invite dialogue such as cancel culture and free speech—can be explored with respect, critical thought, and intellectual integrity.”
The decision has sparked mixed reactions online. Some critics have pointed out the irony of hosting a conversation about cancel culture and free speech while Brand is facing legal charges. On the other hand, supporters argue that the event is an opportunity to discuss the importance of free speech and open debate, even in challenging situations.
The college, a small liberal arts institution in Sarasota, underwent significant restructuring in 2023 after Florida Governor Ron DeSantis appointed six conservative board members. This shift in leadership led to changes in the school’s focus, including the removal of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.
As the event draws near, it’s clear that Brand’s appearance at New College will continue to spark conversation and debate, with both supporters and critics voicing their opinions on the matter.